Tourists Stranded for Hours as Neglected Jalodi Road Remains in Chaos – Locals Threaten Fresh Protests

For the second day in a row, the crucial road connecting Out to Jalodi turned into a parking lot, leaving thousands of travelers—mostly tourists—stranded in grueling traffic jams lasting over four hours. The scene was one of frustration and exhaustion, with drivers and passengers alike venting their anger over the administration’s apathy toward a problem that has persisted for years.

Despite being declared a National Highway back in 2012, the stretch has seen no widening, no proper maintenance, and no real solutions from authorities. Locals, fed up with empty promises, had staged protests earlier this year, but their pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

“The government keeps ignoring this road, even though it’s supposed to be under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI),” said Guman Singh, coordinator of the Himalaya Niti Abhiyan. “Last year’s proposal for development was rejected due to disputes, and since then, nothing has moved—except the endless line of stuck vehicles.”

With tourist season in full swing, the worsening condition of the road is not just an inconvenience but a serious blow to local businesses and travelers’ safety. If no action is taken soon, residents warn, large-scale demonstrations could erupt once again.

“How much longer do we have to suffer?” asked a visibly frustrated shopkeeper near the highway. “Every day, tourists complain, businesses lose money, and yet no one in power seems to care.”

For now, commuters have no choice but to brace for more delays—unless the government finally steps in.